RPAC: It’s Not About Donkeys or Elephants

Let’s clear something up.

RPAC is not red. RPAC is not blue. Around here, we call it the purple party.

And in West Michigan real estate, that matters.

Some REALTORS® question whether investing in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is worth it — especially when politics feels controversial or distant. But the truth is this: RPAC isn’t about partisanship. It’s about protecting your business, your clients, and property ownership in Michigan. When REALTORS® invest in RPAC, they’re investing in real outcomes that impact the everyday work of agents — and the ability of buyers and sellers to achieve their homeownership goals.

Here’s how RPAC delivers value, locally and nationally, and why your investment matters.

1. RPAC Helps Protect Your Business Environment

RPAC invests in candidates — at local, state, and federal levels — who support policies that keep the real estate market strong and predictable. RPAC support isn’t based on party affiliation; rather, it’s based on a candidate’s record on real estate issues and property rights, which means REALTORS® influence the laws that govern the industry.

Across the nation, RPAC-supported candidates had a 97% success rate in the 2024 election cycle, winning races where support for issues like property rights and homeownership protection mattered. CLICK HERE TO READ OTHER RPAC WINS.

2. Michigan REALTORS® Continue to Show Strong Advocacy Impact

In 2025, Michigan REALTORS® collectively invested more than $1 million in RPAC, with strong participation from local boards including West Michigan Lakeshore Association (WMLAR) exceeding their goals and recognizing major investors statewide.

That level of engagement lets RPAC support local candidates and public policy champions statewide, ensuring the REALTOR® voice is at every table where laws impacting housing and real estate are being shaped.

3. RPAC Helps Prevent Costly Policies That Hurt Buyers and Sellers

RPAC’s work in Michigan isn’t theoretical — some of it has tangible financial impacts on transactions:

  • RPAC-supported advocacy helped defeat a proposed transfer tax in Michigan that would have cost home sellers and buyers roughly $450 per transaction on a typical home — dollars that would have otherwise been tied up before a single key was handed over.
  • Michigan REALTORS® successfully supported legislation establishing guardrails for “Right-to-List Home Sale Agreements,” protecting homeowners from overly restrictive contracts that had previously placed long-term liens on properties.

These are real policies that protect both clients and agents from unnecessary costs and legal complications.

4. National RPAC Wins Benefit Michigan REALTORS® Too

While some RPAC investment goes to state and local races, a portion goes toward federal advocacy that has wide-reaching benefits:

  • RPAC supported bills and legislative initiatives that boost housing supply and affordability, like the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act.
  • RPAC support helped prevent lapses in the National Flood Insurance Program, which protects property owners in high-risk areas from potentially devastating insurance gaps.
  • RPAC backing helped maintain important tax provisions like the 1031 Like-Kind Exchange, preserving tools that keep investment property markets fluid and predictable

These national advocacy victories help stabilize housing markets and create conditions where REALTORS® can thrive — benefits that ripple back to local transactions in Michigan.

5. RPAC Efforts Are Bipartisan and Focused on Real Estate Issues

One common misconception about RPAC is that it’s political “for politics’ sake.” In reality, RPAC is bipartisan by design: it evaluates candidates based strictly on their support of REALTOR® priorities such as property rights, homeownership, fair regulations, and a thriving local economy — not party labels.

RPAC funds go toward protecting the industry and consumers, regardless of political winds.

Bottom Line

Investing in RPAC is not about choosing sides. It’s about protecting your livelihood, your clients’ interests, and the future of homeownership in Michigan. Every dollar invested represents a stronger voice at the State Capitol, at city halls, and in Washington — ensuring REALTORS® aren’t sidelined when decisions about housing policy are made.

RPAC helps keep the real estate profession strong — and makes a difference in the communities you serve.

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